Mobile application testing is always challenging. Smaller footprints, numerous types of devices and changing technologies are some of the factors that make it a complex task.
With the increased use of mobile apps everywhere, companies have to ensure that the product works according to expectations and meets the required criteria before launching it. The growing popularity of iPhone and Android mobiles has given rise to thousands of mobile apps that leave mobile app testers with sharp deadlines.
Why Mobile App Testing is a Challenge?
Mobile applications are different from desktop-based applications. In a traditional desktop software development project, the application is designed to work on specific platforms. Windows OS dominates the IT segment and most of the applications are based on Windows OS. This makes it easier for testers as they can test the application on a single platform, most of the time.
When it comes to mobile applications, there are different platforms like iOS, Android, Symbian and Windows Mobile. While testing the product, you need to check the performance of the application on each type of device. In addition, there are frequent updates to each mobile OS and every time there is an update, it has to be tested.
In fact, Mobile OS fragmentation has been a great concern for developers as well as testers. For instance, iOS 6.1 was released in Feb 2013. Within two weeks, another version iOS 6.1.1 was released that contained certain fixes to the previous version. Users were encountering cellular connectivity issues and this was addressed in the newer version. Within two weeks, developers had to fix the coding issue while testers had to ensure that the new fix did not affect the performance of the application while making sure that the technical glitch was addressed.
Native Applications and Web Applications
Mobile application testing has to deal with native applications as well as web applications. With a native mobile application, developers have the flexibility to add a rich user interface to entice customers. However, testers have to make sure that the application is properly downloaded onto the device.
Moreover, the application needs to be updated every time a new feature is added or modified. As native applications are mostly designed for specific hardware, you have to use physical devices to test the application. On the other hand, mobile web applications can be downloaded on the Internet.
As the scope of the application is huge, testers face a tough time in dealing with challenges associated with mobile web application testing like device compatibility, network compatibility, and scripting challenges.
Today, there are numerous models and types of mobile devices that are bombarding the market.
As the same functionality might not work equally on different devices running the same OS, testers have to either work on real devices, simulate them or use both. While real devices incur huge expenses, emulated devices offer easy management of features. The mobile application testing team has to manage both options effectively to check the performance of the application.
Thirdly, there are hundreds of mobile networks operating in various regions. Mobile testers need to consider this additional aspect that adds up to the complexity.
Scripting Challenges
Most importantly, mobile app testers face the tough challenge of creating scripts. With frequent changes to the software, scripts need to be reused. Using automated testing software is surely a good thing to choose.
In addition, you need to choose an automated testing tool that offers higher-level scripting features that are interface-independent. While using automated scripts, testing budgets can go high. However, the level of reusability of these automated scripts hugely impacts operational expenses. While choosing testing environments, companies need to consider this crucial aspect so that resources are optimized and business productivity is improved.